Gustavo Kolmel

Rice MBA for Executives Class of 2008

I am the consummate entrepreneur and that was the main reason I was drawn to the Rice MBA for Executives program and the Jones Graduates School of Business. The school is ranked No. 4 among graduate entrepreneurship programs by the Princeton Review/Entrepreneur Magazine. One of the most surprising things about this program was to see how many students actually pursued and fulfilled their lifelong dreams of owning and running their own business and used this MBA for Executives program to actually take that leap of faith to go out on their own!

I think a common question among those of you considering an Executive MBA program is "why" - what could an MBA program offer someone like me? For me, I wanted to expand my circle of friends, explore potential business partners, vary and grow my professional network, and most importantly, polish and develop my leadership and management skills. The Rice MBA for Executives program was the best value in terms of program reputation and caliber of fellow classmates.

I entered the Rice MBA for Executives program as the founder and CEO of InterStar Global Logistics, Intertainer Line and InterStar Customs Solutions. InterStar was a recognized leader in the global freight industry with a presence in 18 countries. In September 2008 I sold my InterStar and affiliated companies to Crane Worldwide. I became a vice president at Crane, guiding the company through several acquisitions.

Currently, I am the founder and CEO of LuAnn Capital Group. The LuAnn Capital Group is a global Mergers and Acquisitions advisory firm with focus on selective industries. My entrepreneurial spirit has been fostered and complemented by my Rice MBA and I look back on my experience with great fondness and gratitude.

If I could provide one piece of advice for you prospective MBA for Executive students, the road to entrepreneurship is extremely rewarding but having the educational background to support your dreams and ideas is a tremendous asset. The Rice MBA for Executives program has significantly contributed to not only my professional career path but also my personal life with all of the lasting friendships I have made over these years. The program is hard and can be tough at times as you juggle school work, your professional career and your family life. Remember to enjoy the journey as it's definitely worth the effort.